Wheeled Bin - Frequently Asked Questions

Bin Chipping & Weighing

• The use of identification chips in wheeled bins was mentioned in several reports and publications that are in the public domain having been circulated to the local media.  This new system was also publicly showcased in November 2005 at Nantwich Civic Hall, for which a press release was distributed to local and regional media outlets.  Furthermore, in April 2006, all 17,000 households subscribing to the Garden Waste Service were written to and asked for their bins unique bar code number, which is a further indication that the bin number was being recorded against the property.

• Definitely not!  The Council has never contemplated introducing charges based upon the weight of waste not recycled, nor are there any plans to do so.  The proof of this is that microchips have not been installed on the black refuse bin, which is the bin that would need to be weighed for a charging mechanism to work they are only being used on the silver, green and brown recycling bins. 

• We haven't!  The microchip is located on the upper lip of the bin, which is not to disguise the chip, but just because it is the most damage-free place.

• There are surely more obvious signs that a house is unoccupied than trying to tap into a secure data system that contains information on bin weights!  However, the data held on these microchips is only downloaded once a week and is always done retrospectively. The microchip will also help us to trace your wheeled bin should it ever get lost or stolen, which is a very common problem.

• Definitely not!  The bin is assigned to a property and not a person so there are no actual names held on our records.    There is actually legislation that prohibits us sharing data from systems such as Council Tax for matching up purposes, and of course, all of our information is held in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

• As we've said, just your address and bin identification number.  We only get the weight data from the weighing device on the vehicle when the bin is lifted.  The technology does not tell us what is in the bin or when the waste was put in there.     

My bin wasn't emptied this morning, What do I do?
You need to contact the Borough Council on 0800 387491 and arrange for them to collect it

What can I recycle in my Silver bin?
All of the following can be included in your kerbside collection of recyclables:

• Drinks cans, both steel and aluminium
• Plastic bottles including drinks bottles, squash bottles, milk bottles, shampoo bottles & cleaning product bottles (please take the lids off first)
• Low grade paper which includes envelopes, junk mail, catalogues & yellow pages
• Tins including baked bean tins and pet food tins
• Card including cereal boxes, greeting cards and food packaging which isn't contaminated with food residues

Why aren't you collecting glass bottles and jars? Glass bottles and jars may break when put into the bin. The glass splinters then contaminate the cardboard which reduces its usefulness.  We would like to introduce a glass service in the future and are currently examining cost-effective methods. In the mean time, there are over 120 bank sites in the borough where you can recycle your glass.

What do I do if I still have extra rubbish or recyclables?
Rubbish which doesn't fit in your bin can be taken to the household waste recycling centre in Pyms Lane, Crewe or you can contact our household adviser who can carry out an audit of your waste.

If you have extra recyclables, please contact the Borough Council on 0800 387491 to find out about arrangements for collection.

Why can't I put yoghurt pots and other plastic containers into the recycling bin? At present the only plastic we can send for recycling are plastic bottles. Any other plastic put into the grey bin is contamination and will be removed and sent to landfill.

Why must I rinse the tins out?
The tins should be empty of food or drink and rinsed out to prevent food residues contaminating other recycling material.

I do not have room for another bin. Do I have to have one?
Having a bin will ensure you have enough room for your recycling materials, and that you have sufficient room in your black bin to last between collections.

If I refuse to recycle what steps will the council take?
We will offer to come listen to your concerns about recycling. We will explain why it is essential everyone joins in, as a last resort we may be forced to prosecute those who refuse to comply.

Where can I recycle my garden waste?
The Borough Council offers a kerbside collection service for garden waste in most areas of the borough. There is an annual fee for this service follow this link.>> to our Garden Waste page for the current fee. To find out if the collection scheme is available in your area contact the Borough Council on 01270  537826

Alternatively you could recycle your kitchen and garden waste at home and create your own free compost! To find out about home composting offers follow this link.>>

Where is my nearest recycling site?
There are many recycling sites throughout the Borough. Please contact the Borough Council on 01270 537889 for more information or follow this link.>>

How do I dispose of my old fridge?
You can take your fridge to the household recycling centre or alternatively you can contact the borough council on 0800 387491 to arrange for them to collect it - note there will be a small charge for this service.

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Direct Services - Recycling and Waste Management - Telephone 01270 537826